Mayflower, Southampton – until 18 November 2017. Reviewed by Sharon MacDonald-Armitage
3***
Upbeat, funny, bubbly and in today’s climate, at times politically incorrect. Legally Blonde bounces into Southampton’s Mayflower with a whirlwind like vigour.
When well off, privileged, empty-headed Elle Woods (Lucie Jones) stalks her ex-boyfriend Warner Huntington III (Liam Doyle) all the way to Harvard Law School, she brings a distinctive mix of glamour and turmoil never having been seen before. Unique is a word you can easily use to describe Miss Woods and despite her lack of intellectual ability there is nothing more determined than a woman chasing her man.
Jones has a lovely voice that suits this role and vocally she seems extremely at home in it. However, she isn’t quite as kooky as one might expect if you have seen the film and there needs to be a little more finesse with her dancing. But her comic timing is good and the delivery of her lines spot on. Jones is a sassy and engaging Elle and one you cannot help but like in spite of her initial vacuous appearance.
Rita Simons gives an exceptional performance as lovelorn Paulette Bonafonte, who has some of the funniest lines in the show. It is always a surprise when an actor is so associated with a specific TV role that you fail to realise their skills outside of it. What a stunning voice Simons has and one that should not be hidden.
A notable criticism is it seems remarkable that a show that has a lead who is supposed to be a wealthy fashionista is actually dressed rather frumpily. In fact the production does seem a little cheap in comparison.
Putting set criticism to one side it is clear the cast are making the most of the flamboyant nature of this show. It’s is full of energy with some dance routines that leave the audience breathless. The whole piece lands on the right side of entertaining as was seen from the audience response.
Of course the stars of the show are the two dogs Bruiser and Rufus and they got the big “aaaaahhh” moments throughout! Which seems to support the adage about working with animals.
This is an enjoyable evening out so, “Bend and snap” your way to the theatre to see this.